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One day, one mission - all for veterans.
Our first annual Veterans Connect welcomed over 150 veterans who were able to access a variety of community services and essential resources all under one roof. Sponsored by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the resource fair brought together over 30 local service providers committed to supporting veterans facing homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and disabling health conditions.
“We aim to create a Bay Area where no veteran is left behind,” says Tramecia Garner, executive director of Swords to Plowshares. “For 50 years, Swords has continually stepped up to address the unmet needs of generations of veterans. Thanks to the many partners who showed up to inform and support veterans, Veterans Connect went beyond our everyday services and offered a unique opportunity for veterans to experience the wide range of community-driven resources available to them.”
Veterans Connect aimed to reach veterans who may struggle with navigating social services. According to the 2024 Point-in-Time Counts, 587 veteran households experienced homelessness in San Francisco (7% of the total unhoused population), and 661 veteran households experienced homelessness in Alameda County (9% of the total unhoused population). A huge majority of these veterans experienced unsheltered homelessness – 81% in San Francisco, and 74% in Alameda County.
Resources provided included onsite enrollment in housing services, job trainings, legal assistance, and healthcare; appointments with VA Mobile Medical Unit; haircuts and dental screenings; hygiene items and clothing; counseling and mental health resources, including connection to service animals; and more. A major hit was a give-away featuring e-bikes generously provided by DoorDash! Having all these services and resources under one roof meant every corner of the event hosted something helpful.
We know that veterans thrive when they are surrounded by a supportive community. From everyone at Swords to Plowshares, we thank all the providers, volunteers, and the Bob Woodruff Foundation for their unwavering commitment to veterans.